Lý Thánh Tông

Lý Thánh Tông
Emperor of Đại Việt
A statue of Lý Thánh Tông
Predecessor	Lý Thái Tông
Successor	Lý Nhân Tông
Born	1023
Died	1072
Full name Lý Nhật Tôn
Dynasty	Lý Dynasty
Father	Lý Thái Tông
Mother	Empress Mai Thị

Lý Thánh Tông (Vietnamese pronunciation: [lǐ tʰǎːɲ toŋm]; born Lý Nhật Tôn [lǐ ɲə̀t ton], ruled 1054–1072) was the posthumous title of the third emperor of the Lý dynasty of Vietnam. Like his father, he was considered as one of the most talented and emperors in Vietnamese history.

He was the eldest son of Lý Thái Tông and his consort was known as Empress Mai Thị. He was born on February 25, 1023 (this date was followed the Lunar calendar, the official calendar of Vietnam during Vietnam's feudal period) at Càn Đức palace. In 1028, he was conferred Crown prince after his father ascended the throne.

He was soon adept in all main fields at that time, such as history, literature, music, and also martial arts. Like his father, he was soon brought out of the capital citadel to touch the bottom class in society, following the tradition of this dynasty. Living among the masses, he soon profoundly understand the wretchedness and the slavery below the legs of the emperor, making him have a benevolent reign after his succession.

Just at the age of 15, he was dubbed Great General, suppressed the revolt in Lam Tây (Lai Châu Province), and made some feat. When was 17 years old, his father allowed Thanh Tong to lead an army to conquest Nùng Tồn Phúc, he was in charge of the Regent to rule over the capital and to manage the affairs of court.

In 1040, when he was just 18, all important litigations over the nation were committed to him. One edifice known as Quảng Vũ palace was confided to him.

In 1043, he was again conferred as Great General to defeat Châu Ái (Thanh Hóa Province). One year later, while his father despatched the army to defeat Champa, he was again in charge of the Regent known as the title "The exarch of the capital."